Thru Holes/Slots with Ram/Plunge/Sink EDM?

[Barrowlands]

Has anyone seen issues with using plunge EDMs for thru holes/slots? If so can you describe them? I know the typical use is for blind cavities, but we've experienced some success using them for certain types of slots and I was wondering if we're setting ourselves up for disaster (i.e. "You're turning the entire base metal into a heat affected zone!"). Thanks.

 

[MikeHalloran]

I don't recall my (long ago) modelmaker reporting any such trouble as he learned to do magical things with a plunge EDM.

I'd conjecture maybe the current will get a little wobbly as the workpiece thins and the bottom of the hole disappears. If you're worried about it, stop when it's say .003" thick and knock out the remainder with a pocketknife.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA